Chapter 14 Commercial Interior Design Applications 501 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Tell a story with the design plan of the store. Is there a logical progression from one product to the next? Are there options to have accessories next to big-ticket items for add-on sales? For instance, bicycle stores typically have bikes in one area, and display road bikes and mountain bikes separately. Next to the bike displays, store staff places shoes and pedals that go with each type of bike. Creating the right interior store plan does not follow hard and fast rules. The bottom line is that shoppers often want to make their selections and purchases with ease. It is up to the designer to set the stage for an enjoyable experience, Figure 14-17. Malls Shopping malls are the most successful sites of sales, although online sales are quickly gaining a larger market share of the profi ts. Malls house both specialty shops and chain stores. Mall design includes consid- erations such as layout, directional signage (wayfi nd- ing), security, and variety. Some malls have an open-air design while others are enclosed spaces. The design of public areas in shopping malls should entice the visitor to stay longer and purchase more. In terms of sales, the highest-performing malls and shopping districts have clear lines of sight from one storefront to another. Shoppers enjoy seeing the fronts of other stores from multiple locations. They are more likely to browse through high volume of stores when the windows are within sight from multiple places. Malls accommodate basic services such as restrooms, fi rst aid, seating, meeting points (such as fountain areas), food courts, and offi ces for mall staff. The space between the mall and the parking lot offers opportuni- ties for parks, play areas, and entertainment venues. Be sure to plan for mall security features, such as appropri- ate lighting at the end of day. Boutique Shops Specialty retail or boutique stores often hire design- ers to develop a unique design with emphasis on window displays, attention-getting interior fi nishes, and dramatic lighting. Boutiques have very specifi c clien- tele who are looking for individual attention, customer service, and items not found in the big-box stores. They are often located near other shopping areas, but are totally separate. Boutique shops target customers who seek their inventory of specialty items, price range, and shopping experience. Products carried by boutique stores are often one-of-a-kind items. They might sell original art, internationally acquired furniture, or handcrafted items. Therefore, the displays need to be adaptable to new products the store buyer locates. The success of boutique shops is based as much on customer relations as the products. The designer must create space for comfortable furnishings, gift wrapping areas, beverage and snack services, and even guest artists or speakers. Educational Facility Design The planning and design of educational facilities— whether elementary, secondary or college levels— should begin with the learner. Learning is changing in Goncharuk Maksim/Shutterstock.com Figure 14-17 Creating an enjoyable shopping experience is an essential goal for the interior designer.